Windows 7 for Alienware 17 R3

I've been planning to buy an Alienware 17 R2 for some months but now that I'm finally ready to order it seems they've switched to the R3. That's all well and good since I can get better performance for roughly the same price, but the problem is that Windows 7 is no longer an option for shipping.

I am completely opposed to Windows 10 and Windows 8 and have never reinstalled any operating systems before, but it seems like a hassle to get all the drivers sorted after doing so. Worse, since Windows 10 is so new I can't find any information about doing a clean install of Windows 7 on a computer that ships with Windows 10--just stuff about reverting for people who upgraded a Windows 7/8 PC to Windows 10.

I spoke with a Dell representative on their site and was told that apparently the Alienware 17 R3 laptops are all pre-built and the best they could do would be to sell me a Windows 7 CD after purchasing my Windows 8/10 laptop. I'm going to call them tomorrow for more information but assuming I do end up with a Windows 10 R3, does anyone have information on how I would do a clean install of Windows 7 and make sure I have all the proper drivers?

 

I have the same perspective on Win7 as the OP, but if an expert's opinion is needed, he'll have to keep waiting.

I have a 17r3 on order, scheduled to deliver later this month, with win 8.1 installed. My original plan was to purchas an OEM copy of win7 from Amazon. and do a fresh install from dvd.

To be clear, these are NOT pirated copies, but the same OEM software that MSFT sells to Dell and any other manufacturer, right down to a single-person system builder. They are currently listed at just under $150.

As far as drivers, I figured the most important would be for the 980m gfx card. I went to the dell support page and found it sitting there, and IIRC it said it was certified for win7 also.

I did or am doing the same for other things. Very important I think would be any of the Intel Rapid disk drrivers. Also networking card, wifi, etc. Most should support win7.

What worried me was dell proprietary stuff, starting with all the stupid lights on the chassis. These might not support win7, and I suspect only trial and error will prove it out.

Worse still, there is no dell factory recovery media for win 8.1 now, although I believe there is a link to download the files and set up your own usb recovery media. This I would see as essential to the project--you want an easy way to get back to where you were if something screws up.

An easier way still would be to try installing win7 to a new, fresh drive, saving off the old win 8.1 drive as-is. For me this means I would simply remove my boot ssd and try installing win7 on the hdd.

Adding this all up, I'm starting to think I may just stick with the win 8.1 for a while and see how it goes. I have it running on a tablet and have found no major problems, once I intstalled "Classic Shell", which removes much of the goofey interface crap introduced in win8.

So I am currently getting the computer with win8.1 and my option to downgrade. When the time comes that win10 is forced with no option, I would absolutley downgrade to win7.

 

Why are you guys so opposed to Windows 10? Is it the new privacy policy stuff?
From a functionality standpoint, then I'm not having any issues with it on my main gaming rig following a fresh install.

With regards to Windows 7, then I think you should be able to get most of the drivers you'd need. With regards to the various LED lighting effects, then I reckon the software for the 17R2 would probably work.

You might also try something like Driver Pack Solution (does seem to install some adware, so some caution might be a good idea) or Snappy Driver to get the various drivers.

If it was me, I'd probably stick with Windows 8.1 and Classic Shell. There are under the hood improvements which I think are worth having over Windows 7, and once you hide Metro, it works very well.

 

I can't speak for other people, but the reason I'm opposed to Windows 10 is because I am extremely OCD about my computer. I always uninstall every program I don't use--and I will never use any of the new software that Windows 10 comes with just like I never used StickyNotes or whatever else Windows 7 came with--and I always open msconfig to make sure there is nothing set to launch on startup my that I don't need. For the past couple of years the only program I have set to launch on startup is Avast. Same for non-required services. I gain great satisfaction from opening Task Manager and seeing practically no processes running.

I also set Windows Update to be completely manual and often look up updates before I install them. I've heard things Windows 10 trying to automatically download updates and it being very difficult to disable that on the Home Premium version. My internet connection is very unstable and when it is working it is exceedingly slow with great packet loss; I do not want any traffic occurring on my computer when I am not doing something that specifically requires an internet connection. I sometimes even completely disable my network adapter when I'm playing single-player games or such.

I also have a great intolerance for giant blocky icons and unnecessary pictures. I've never had a smartphone or a tablet and if the start menu jumped out at me with news and ads like I've seen in old reviews of Windows 10 then I would probably kick my new computer down a well. I'm aware that some things can be fixed by Classic Shell and also that there's no way have a good idea of things until I actually try Windows 10 for myself, but I am somewhat doubtful that I will come to terms with it so easily. And also, why would I have to go out of my way to give it such a fair chance when I can just install Windows 7?

 

I only want to say that since Windows 7 isn't officially supported for this platform, you will not find the drivers at the DELL site. Anyway, most of the drivers will be available from the manufacturer's site, and you could also try using some of the Windows 8/10 ones.

 

Finally! This is exactly the thread that I was looking for....excellent thread OP....I now feel like I can speak freely LOL...

As a major OCD security junkie and OCD in general, while being extremely meticulous, I am too wanting to go Windows 7, however, I was curious about ALL the drivers and whether they would all be compatible (w/ Win7) to where I wouldn't encounter anything 'broken', which as you know is annoying when something doesn't work, let alone the annoying pop ups.

I'm a Mac guy as my whole studio is Mac'ed out, but now with my new shiny AW 17" R3 that came with the horrific Windows 10 HOME...*face palm*...I am on the search for either going Window's 7, 8, or unfortunately 10 Pro.

So are we able to run Windows 7 without any issues? If so, which version is adequate or best? Windows 7 Pro yes?

Will Windows 7 support DIrectX 12, once it starts to get more and more implemented into games? (Drivers for W7 that is...)

I've seen some videos of games on Windows 10 vs Windows 8 and W10 always had a few frames over W8.... I wonder how much of a hit W7 will get?

I've also seen that Windows 7 doesn't have as good of RAM management and is a resource hog, but due to our beast of a system, that shouldn't matter eh? (I have 32GB of RAM on order...so I'm not too worried if at all.)

I'm an avid VPN user (my own and an offshore company's with multiple hops when I feel like it) along with BitDefender, Malwarebytes, and Firewalled. On my current Windows 8.1 HP laptop that I use for phone ROM stuff, I have a script on there that removes and blocks all the unnecessary rubbish that phone home to MS. It also blocks all Windows 10 upgrade components that try to leach into your system and removes all the unnecessary updates that don't need to be there.

I'm glad to have come across like minded folks....

1. What virus program do you use and why? ie...What is the best of the best?
(I'm seeing that Bitdefender and Kasperksy seem to be among the top. I used to use avast, but from all the neutral third party reviews, BitDefender and Kasperksy always seem to be on the top. I'm looking for something that does the job thoroughly, yet light and non intrusive. I'd love to hear your thoughts)

2. What Firewall do you use? I'd like to be using the best.

3. For those who are using a VPN, which off shore company are you using?

Thanks and looking forward to a lot of great discussions....this is great...finally sigh....it surprises me how few there are who actually care about security / privacy. I'll do anything to get away from Windows 10.

 

If windows 7 could be installed, I have a windows 7 ultimate Dell disc/image that I would use. I'm wondering if you could upgrade to windows 10 with it, effectively getting windows 10 pro for "free"?

 

Considering my OCDness with security and all, which Windows 7 would you recommend?

• Pro?
• Enterprise? (If I can get a hold of this business version)
• Ultimate?

I prefer something locked down as possible, full control of managing updates etc....and will be using the rig for mostly Adobe stuff (design, editing, video, rendering...), Gaming and Web Browsing. Definitely don't need any bells and whistles.

Would Windows 7 Pro be sufficient? Or jump up to the next version(s) as I'm not very familiar what has what..

Thanks.

 

My tinfoil hat is bigger than most. I took delivery of my 17 r3 with win 8.1 installed, keeping an option in my mind to downgrade to win7. My verdict after three months: I'm sticking with 8.1.

Biggest issue is simply that win 8.1 is still current for Dell drivers and driver development. Given the complexity and interoperability of BIOS and drivers, I view this as a vital life ring. Of course this means that Dell's crapware and spyware are also being updated for 8.1. But since I NEVER enable auto windows update (and haven't updated since buying the machine), I can take my time and search online for which updates are useful and which are predatory.

Also, enough googling will tell you how to remove the MSFT win10 adware/spyware, as long as you have 8.1 pro.

In terms of functionality, I find that win 8.1 is actually better overall than win7, which totally floored me. The notifications are better (copy/paste, etc), and Classic Shell is better than either win7 or win10. Since I ran a 17r2 immediately prior to this machine, I also found that win 8.1 has an edge in stability.

On the other hand, the win 8.1 UI was purpose-built to be an abortion, so infuriating that most people would demand to "upgrade" to win10, even though you give up control of the OS and even ownership. And every time I accidentally swipe my thumb across the touchpad and I get the stupid stupid charms bar, I want to throw the machine out the window. But better high blood pressure than loving the win 10 alien.

 

Excellent input. I really appreciate it mate.

Here's to all.....cheers.....you're going to absolutely love this:

That little 'this' link is going to be dream come true for many and save you tons and tons of time. Of course that 'this' link is only for Windows 7, 8, and 8.1. It's also in active development, constantly being updated.

Based on your input John, it has clarified my minor doubts about W7 in that it's an old engine compared to 8, 8.1 and 10. Well...less Windows 10. I have 8.1 running on my little HP x360 2-in-1 laptop and it's....not bad...

You make an excellent point in that Win 8.1 is still active in terms of it being compatible with up to date drivers. BIOS is indeed extremely complex and at the end of the day, one would do more harm pulling their premature grey hairs out trying to figure out any potential driver/BIOS issues with the older Windows 7, than coasting smoothly with perhaps Windows 8.1.

With the awesome little script in that 'this' link above, this levels the playing fields of achieving the benefits of Windows 7 in the intrusive category as it blocks the crap out of all the Windows 10 rubbish along with its petty updates.

Enjoy....and cheers again to the tin foil hat....security / privacy matters.

 

ermmm i think the "this" is also here..

http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...-windows-10-upgrade-disable-telemetry.780476/

 

That is similar and great...but it is different as it states, "...updates that need to be hidden in order to prevent the Windows 10 Upgrade or prevent updates that enable Telemetry."

The 'this' link that I've provided is constantly being updated with new updates that get pushed out. Not just blocking the Windows 10 update.

I'll sure look into it and use it if it'll benefit on top of the 'this' link...

It's good to know there are more people out there to support blocking communism.

Thanks.

 

Sweet! Glad win 7/8 works on the 17r3. Gonna hunt down them dell disc/images so I can get a free upgrade to win 10 pro and then revert back to 8.1. Even if you hate win 10 now, just reserve a copy to your machine. It's free, why not. Keep in mind win 10 pro lets you defer updates.

 

IMO, spending two grand on computer hardware and then allowing spyware on your machine in order to save $100 is just crazy--and that's the polite version. If MSFT ever does release a $300 enterprise version that leaves out the spyware, I'd consider buying it. But anyone who allows the Mothership to scan and absorb their computer is going to find out that a multi-billion dollar company does nothing for free.

Re/the "this" link, I had a quick look at it and I would off the following comment: My October-built r3 came with win 8.1 build 9600, and I believe new computers are shipping with this also. At least one of the KB-spywares has been rolled up into 9600 and cannot be removed via Update History. However, more googling will tell you what bits of windows use that update, and those can be disabled in Group Policy Editor, and one or two similar policy config windows. I would list them but I've forgotten them, things like User Satisfaction, etc.

 

I agree. When I ordered my AW, I left the OS part set as default, because I was determined to go Windows 7 Pro and didn't want to throw out $50 toward uncertainty...ie just out the window with no purpose. On the flip side of the coin, anyone who can afford a $2,300 laptop shouldn't even have the cost of purchasing a Windows OS even in the conversation. Which isn't the case for me, rather I just wasn't certain if I was wanting to go Windows 8.1 or not, at the time of purchase.

Nothing is free and as much as Windows 10 looks great as a free upgrade (bait and lure), the amount of parasites that live deep within it is astonishing. It's hilarious because as I was watching the new Bond movie last night (Spectre), all I could think of was MS, Google etc...LOL...

Thanks for the additional tip about Group Policy Editor....if you ever do find the specifics, it would be greatly appreciated if you could share your findings.

BTW, what other applications do you use to protection and security? Virus app, Firewall, Malwarebytes type of stuff....

Cheers

 

Howdy Nargle,

The first thing that should be cleared up here is how the Windows license works for a new PC. Your new Alienware PC will come with an OEM Windows Home License, with full support from Dell/Alienware. If you choose to not use this OS, you will have to provide your own support and license. This is fairly easy to do these days, with the wealth of information in these forums and elsewhere on the Internet. Secondly Windows 7 is currently in its extend support phase, which means that Microsoft is only releasing security updates, and will provide no more new features, including DirectX 12. The extended support phase will expire in 2020 ( https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/search/default.aspx?alpha=windows 7). Thirdly, Microsoft is allowing OEMs to sell Windows 7 Enterprise and Windows 7 Pro Licenses (more info http://www.zdnet.com/article/seven-perfectly-legal-ways-to-get-windows-7-cheap-or-even-free/). Fourth, Microsoft does have a feature called "Downgrade rights" which allow you to downgrade your licensed copy of Windows 10 Pro (not the Home edition) to Windows 7 Pro or WIndows 8.1 Pro. To take advantage of this offer see here: https://www.microsoft.com/oem/en/licensing/sblicensing/pages/downgrade_rights.aspx#fbid=fZJYupj4rRG

Lastly, you must confirm driver support ( as mentionend earlier in this thread). You will not be able to get drivers for your exact model from Dell, but many manufactures use the same basic driver for Windows 7, 8/8.1 and Windows 10. The only potential "gotcha" is the video driver. The driver model was upgraded between Windows 7 and Windows 8.

Good luck!
Rich S.

 

Sorry, double post. Ad induced browser glitch :-(

 

Thank you Rich for the helpful of information. Based on your post, would you stick with Windows 8.1 Pro over Windows 7 Pro?

Also, if we choose not to use the stock OS that the AW comes with (in my case W10 Home *face palm*) you're saying that we're not able to call Dell/Alienware for any software related support?

Thanks

 

Personally, I stick with the "latest" which for me is Windows 10 Pro (I always pay the difference to get the Pro versions). I enjoy the improvements to things such as boot time, and memory usage that were introduced since Windows 7 came out. I also have a Windows 7 VM that I have on my PC for any particular case (none yet) where Windows 10 won't cut it.

If you do not use the OS that Dell/Alienware sold you, and you call support they will either make you pay for their "upgraded" support service, or reinstall the shipped OS. I recently had to go through this with my old M17xR4. I had purchased it with Windows 7 Pro and the Microsoft provided free upgrade to Windows 8. The support agent wouldn't even attempt to troubleshoot my failing video card until I reverted to Windows 7. I could have paid about $100 for their enhanced support service, or reinstall the OS. I had a good backup, so I chose the re-install route.

Good luck!

Rich S.

 

Wow...thanks for enlightening us. I would have never thought switching the OS would cause such issues with support. I also plan to run VM...perhaps I can install the stock Windows 10 Home that it comes with on the third (spare) m.2 SSD if I ever need to and boot from it? I have two Samsung 950 Pro 512GB m.2's + 1TB Samsung Pro SSD along with a spare Samsung 850 EVO 120 GB m.2, which I can install Windows 10 Home (stock OS) on....so if I ever need to just boot from it, I can just swap out the m.2 quickly to do so for any type of troubleshooting....

 

BTW I presume Dell wouldn't take an issue with the user upgrading to Win 10 Pro?

 

Excellent question. To me for Dell to turn there backs on a customer because of an upgrade would be an oxymoron.

Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk

 

Howdy,

Upgrading to Windows 10 on an unsupported Dell platform (like the M17xR4) will result in zero support from Dell. It will not (however) void your warranty. If your system requires warranty work, and you have upgraded to a "supported" Windows version, and have the "upgraded" service, they will work with you without issue. If you have a "supported" Windows version, but it is not the version your system shipped with, and are under warranty, you will have to either pay for the "upgraded" support, or revert to the shipped OS. If you are under warranty and have an unsupported version of Windows, you will have to revert to a supported version. In this case, even paying for their "upgraded" service, they will not help. For example Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 are considered "supported" for the M17xR4 while Windows 10 is unsupported. Hope this helps

Rich S.

 

Okay guys...so final answer:

For AW Laptops (to ensure full driver support) go Windows 8.1 Pro w/ Classic Shell?

Is this the best and logical choice for those who refuse to go W10?

Thanks.